This is a discussion on How do you go about cleaning the engine within the General Maintenance, Troubleshooting & Accidents. forums, part of the Tech & Modifying & General Repairs category; Hi, I've have my WRX for a few months now and the engine is starting to get a little dirty. ...

How do you go about cleaning the engine

Hi, I've have my WRX for a few months now and the engine is starting to get a little dirty. I would like to clean it so that I can keep the engine looking good for a long time. What is the best way to clean it. Should I use some type of engine cleaner like "Gunk", if you ever heard of it, and then pressure wash it. Or is pressure washing the engine bad?

and once you get it clean, just do some cleaning under the hood once/month from here out if you like it clean. it's easier to take 10 minutes once/month than to bust your butt for a couple of hours detailing a greasy pigged up engine bay

I just use regular car wash soap. Open the hood, get everything wet with a hose (avoid spraying wire connections, etc.) soap it up with a sponge and rinse everything off. Works fine, if you do it everytime you wash your car!

I take mine to the car wash and power wash it (being careful not to get too close so as not to blow any hoses off). Usually do it when the engine is still cold, and leave the car running. Never had any problems.

Originally posted by Sherb Anyone heard using brake cleaner? I heard it works wonders on tough jobs.

I use brake cleaner for killing wasps and bees. Works better than raid.

Yes, brake cleaner will clean most anything, but most of them have warnings telling you not to spray on rubber hoses and stuff. I probably wouldn't use it. Gunk and Gumout make pretty good engine cleaners.

SIMPLE GREEN. Best stuff known to man. And it is safe on your hands too. My 4Runner motor was REAL dirty after I went wheelin, and I Simple Greened the HELL out of it, and it looked like brand new. Just Simple Green, let sit for 15 mintues, and rinse with a hose. Your engine and engine compartment will look brand new. And make sure to put plastic bags on all of the electrical components before you start.
Kurlee Daddee
(THE ORIGINAL)

Thanks for all the info guys, I think I'am going to try the citrus degreasers first and just spray down the engine bay. We'll see how that comes out. I'am kind of hesitant to using anything really harsh, dont' want to deteriate the rubber and plastic parts of the engine.

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